Slow Cooker Beef, Sweet Potato & Spinach Stew

This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, comforting slow cooker beef casserole that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

Whether you call it a stew or a casserole, this slow cooker beef recipe is packed with tender chunks of meat, vegetables, and a flavourful gravy that’ll warm you from the inside out. Simply pop all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it (it’s that easy). Ideal for busy households, this slow cooker / crockpot stew recipe lets you get on with your day while your dinner cooks itself. Serve with crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, the slow cooker is ideal for beef stews. The gentle, low heat helps break down tougher cuts of beef, making them beautifully tender while the flavours slowly develop – perfect for hearty beef recipes.

@boredoflunch

Slowcooker Beef, Sweet Potato & Spinach Stew (487 cals a bowl) #stew #slowcooker #fyp #crockpot #crockpotrecipes #onepotmeals #onepot #lowcalorie #fy

♬ Laisse tomber les filles – France Gall

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the beef adds extra flavour, but it’s not essential. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step – the stew will still be delicious thanks to the long, slow cook.

How long should I cook beef stew in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. This allows the beef to become melt-in-the-mouth tender and the sweet potatoes to soften without turning mushy.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes – braising steak, stewing beef, or chuck steak all work well in slow cooker beef recipes. These cuts become lovely and tender with slow cooking.

Can I add the spinach at the beginning?

It’s best to stir in the spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps it vibrant, fresh and prevents it from going too mushy.

Is this stew freezer friendly?

Yes, it freezes really well. Let it cool completely, portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot.

What should I serve with this stew?

This slow cooker stew is hearty on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, buttered mash, or rice to soak up the flavourful broth.

Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, but the texture and sweetness will be different. Sweet potatoes give this slow cooker beef stew a rich, slightly sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with the savoury beef.

Can I make this stew in advance?

Absolutely – this is a great meal prep recipe. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavours often improve overnight.

Is this a healthy slow cooker recipe?

Yes – it’s packed with lean beef, vegetables, and leafy spinach, making it a nutritious and balanced slow cooker stew that’s perfect for a family-friendly dinner.

More slow cooker recipes like this

For more easy slow recipes like this you can pick up a copy of my brand new slow cooker book Six Ingredient Slow Cooker.